5.9 A Ecosystems

Which is an interaction of a living organism with a nonliving component of an ocean ecosystem?

• A sea turtle burying its eggs in sand.

• A killer whale eating harbor seals.

• Dolphins communicating with each other.

• A jelly fish stinging its prey.

Prairie dogs eat grasses and some insects. They build their homes by digging tunnels underground. Which of the following environmental conditions would best meet the needs of a prairie dog?

• Cool temperatures

• Limited sunlight

• Soft, loose soil

• Few plants and trees

Which of the following describes a relationship in which one organism depends on another for its needs?

• A rabbit burrowing in the ground.

• A hawk catching and eating a mouse.

• A frog cooling off in a pond.

• An oak tree absorbing sunlight for food.

Plants and animals have different needs that are met by their environment. Which of the following are examples of resources the environment provides that are needed by both plants and animals?

• Sunlight and water

• Soil and air

• Water and Air

• Sunlight and soil

When animals eat other animals, they are depending on the other animals for —

• shelter

• oxygen

• warmth

• energy

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

• They consume primary producers.

• They break down dead material and waste, recycling nutrients.

• They serve as primary consumers.

How does deforestation most directly affect biodiversity in an ecosystem?

• It increases the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor.

• It leads to an increase in the ecosystem's primary producers.

• It reduces the number of habitats available for organisms.

• It promotes the growth of aquatic ecosystems nearby.

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

• From producers to decomposers to consumers

• From consumers to producers to decomposers

• From producers to consumers to decomposers

• From decomposers to consumers to producers